After decades at its old location at East Ocean Avenue and A Street, the AAA Auto Club has relocated to a more prominent space at 675 North H Street.

&#8220Timing was everything,C District Manager Gary Newhall said of the new location, which has been open for about three weeks. &#8220It was a matter of the Blockbuster (Video property) becoming available and the timing worked out great. … The visibility is incredible and it is certainly more high profile.C

Newhall said the new space is double the square footage of the old location, which was about 2,500 square feet. He said the new office has allowed for a break room and more elbow room among employees.

The district manager said he is also proud of the new location because of the new methods of service it can offer customers.

&#8220This is the state-of-the-art look,C he said of the clean, bright atmosphere of the new AAA headquarters, which includes a plasma television for customers in the waiting area. &#8220This is now our showcase office of the Central Coast and it has all the latest technology.C

Despite changes to how the office has run to accommodate computer technology, Newhall said that serving the AAA member is still the first priority.

In addition, Office Manager Robin Aquino said the new AAA Auto Club is now offering a full-service travel agency for its customers. This allows customers to book cruises and tours, as well as take advantage of vacation packages.

&#8220Our travel agents are constantly being updated on the most current information on informational trips,C Aquino said. &#8220We have information on the vendors we use. … We also offer foreign currency, credit cards, passport photos and international driving permits.C

Aquino said she is excited about the travel agency opportunity for members. She said one incentive for members to book with AAA is that the office offers special prices for their vacations. She also values the in-person contact with her customers.

&#8220Nowadays, everybody shops online,C she said, adding that this includes bookings for vacations. &#8220Here, they get a real live person and real face-to-face contact.C

Aquino said many members are still unaware that AAA is now offering a full-service travel agency, but that it is a pleasant surprise when they come to the new location for the first time.

Newhall added that AAA is now also offering a life insurance agency and homeowner/s insurance.

The district manager said customers are still becoming aware of the move, but that results in the increase of business so far have been positive.

&#8220We are seeing a 25 percent increase in business,C he said of the new location. He added that he hopes to see expansion for AAA continue in Lompoc for the next 10 years.

&#8220We want to add more insurance agents down the line and double our office staff,C the district manager said of the plans for next decade. &#8220This will depend on how many services that the customers want to take advantage of. … I/d like to see them touch base with us.C

Aquino said she wants both members and nonmembers to come aboard and see just how AAA can help them plan their next vacation.

&#8220The extensive training we have is much better than what you can gain from the Internet,C she said. &#8220We know the hidden rules and conditions they have that can lead to a real disaster.C She said customers have been quite pleased when they see the services AAA can offer them.

Newhall said a good travel agent is priceless and that he wants customers to be aware of all of the services AAA is now providing in Lompoc.

&#8220The depth of the things we offer is unbelievable,C he said. He said this includes fleet pricing on vehicles when members are in the buying market, as well as notary service.

&#8220Ultimately, we want to invite members and people who are not members to come in and talk to us,C Newhall said. &#8220I can/t think of many business that have been open as long as we have here (in Lompoc). … It/s nice to work for a company this stable … The old location served us well, but the new one is amazing.C

Ryan McMaster can be reached at 737-1057 or

rmcmaster@lompocrecord.com.

September 11, 2007